Raised in Syracuse, New York, she found success in the 70s as a model, working in New York and Paris (where she shared an apartment with Jerry Hall and Jessica Lange), before rising to public prominence as a singer and personality.
Jones secured a record deal with Island Records, which resulted in a string of club hits. The three disco albums she recorded - Portfolio (1977), Fame (1978), and Muse (1979) - generated dance singles such as Sorry That's The Trouble, I Need A Man, and a classic cover of La Vie En Rose. During this period, she also became a muse to Andy Warhol, appearing in his portraits and accompanying him to Studio 54 on many occasions.
As the 70s drew to a close, Jones adapted the emerging New Wave music to suit a different style, a significant departure from her previous output that resulted in some of her strongest work. Still with Island, and now working with producers Alex Sadkin and Chris Blackwell at Compass Point Studios, and with the considerable talents of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare (Sly & Robbie) behind her, she released the acclaimed Warm Leatherette (1980) and Nightclubbing (1981). These included re-imaginings of songs by Sting, Iggy Pop, The Pretenders, Roxy Music, Flash And The Pan, The Normal, and Tom Petty, as well as originals like the innuendo-filled Pull Up To The Bumper and the haunting I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango). Parallel to her musical shift was an equally dramatic visual departure; Jones - working heavily with style artist Jean-Paul Goude - adopted a severe, androgynous look that enhanced her already striking presence, the iconic cover of Nightclubbing exemplifying this new identity. Her collaboration with Sadkin and Blackwell continued with the dub reggae-influenced album Living My Life, which featured Nipple To The Bottle, The Apple Stretching, and the Jones-penned and much-sampled My Jamaican Guy.
Later in the 80s, she worked with Trevor Horn for the conceptual musical collage Slave to the Rhythm (1985), and with Nile Rodgers for Inside Story (1986) - her first album away from the Island label. Inside Story produced her last US Hot 100 hit to date, I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You), while Bulletproof Heart in 1989 produced the #1 US club hit Love on Top of Love - Killer Kiss, produced by C+C Music Factory's David Cole and Robert Clivilles. Though a chart regular in the UK Grace Jones never achieved mainstream musical success in the US, but most of her singles became huge hits in the dance underground.
Jones' strong visual presence was extended to her stage work. Her performances were unique spectacles as she adopted various personas and wore outlandish costumes throughout, particularly during her years with Goude. Her most memorable performances include the Paradise Garage in 1985, wherein she collaborated with legendary visual artist Keith Haring for her costume and the extraordinary One Man Show filmed in Drury Lane Theatre London and in New York and released on video in 1982 (it is yet to be re-released).
In 2008 she returned with the album "Hurricane".
This Is
Grace Jones Lyrics
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My weapon of choice
This is life
This is life
This is plate
This is a cup
This is a girl lost in the woods
Some kind of wagon from some other 'hood
This is a voice
These are the hands
This is technology
Mixed with the band
Are you going into the light
Are you free of fear today
When you lie down to sleep do you kind of float away
This is life
This is life
Most of my crimes are of optimism
40 thousand volts of recognition
They tried to strip me of dignity
But I still have tenacity
These are the words I didn't invent
Only an attempt to say what I meant
This is the paper
This is the pen
This is my weapon
A means to an end
Are you going into the desert
You're out of control of your fate
There are no warriors without a war
So get ahead before it's too late
This is life (ya'll)
Lay down your spear
Let go your fear
Far becomes near
Oh Lord
This is life (hey!)
This is the tree
The Buddha slept under
These are the clouds
This is our thunder
This is what makes me look up and wonder
Into the eye of the wind
Through the rain
On to the plain
This is what I'm focused on
This is my head on straight
This is the harness
This is the bait
This is me
I'm flying again
This is a lawyer
Professional liar
There, Taking
Igniting the fire
This is the key
This is the door
Imagine the view from the basement floor
(Hey!)
Now you're going into the desert
You're out of control of your fate
Are you a slave in a chain of command
Serving up another man's head
This is life
Lay down your spear
Let go your fear
Far becomes near
Look out
This is life
Are you going into the light
Are you freeing your fear today
When you lie down to sleep
Do you kind of float away
This is depression
It comes when you're blocking
This is expression
It comes when your rocking
This is life
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
This is (ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!)
When you lie down to sleep
Do you kind of float away
(This is a plate, this is a cup, this is a story, this is a story I didn't make up)
When you lie down to sleep
Do you kind of float away
(This is a plate, this is a cup, this is a story I didn't make up)
This is the world still healing
This is man that's feeling
This is the world still turning
This is the rage still burning
This is the man not learning
This is life
The song "This Is" by Grace Jones is a powerful anthem that talks about the many facets of life and the tools we can use to navigate it. Starting off with the declaration, "This is my voice, my weapon of choice," Jones establishes that the power of expression through words is a significant force. She continues to state, "This is life," repeating it throughout the song, reminding listeners that all the things mentioned, from a plate to a pen, the Buddha's tree to depression, are all part of life. The lyrics go on to reflect on the cyclical nature of life, from feeling optimistic to being stripped of dignity, from being in control of one's fate to feeling like a slave, from healing to rage. The song ends with the powerful call to "lay down your spear, let go your fear," urging listeners to let go of what's holding them back and to embrace life fully.
Line by Line Meaning
This is my voice
My voice is the powerful instrument I use to express myself and advocate for what I believe in.
My weapon of choice
I rely on my voice as my most effective tool to fight for my beliefs and make my voice heard.
This is life
These are the realities and truths of existence in the world we inhabit.
This is plate
This is an object that serves the purpose of holding or carrying food.
This is a cup
This is a device designed to hold and contain a liquid, such as water or coffee.
This is a story I didn't make up
This is a narrative that is not fabricated by my imagination, but rather one that is authentically rooted in reality.
This is a girl lost in the woods
This is a young woman who is wandering and disoriented in the wilderness, and who may be feeling vulnerable and uncertain.
Some kind of wagon from some other 'hood
This is a mode of transportation that originates from a different neighborhood or cultural context.
This is a voice
This is another reference to the significance and power of the human voice and its ability to communicate ideas, emotions, and concerns effectively.
These are the hands
These are the physical appendages that allow me to interact with the environment and make things happen in the world.
This is technology
These are the tools and techniques that enable us to create and develop innovations and advancements that improve our lives and solve problems.
Mixed with the band
Blending technology and music together to create something new and exciting.
Are you going into the light
Are you moving towards positivity, hope, or enlightenment in your life?
Are you free of fear today
Have you liberated yourself from anxiety or worry in the present moment?
When you lie down to sleep do you kind of float away
Do you enter a peaceful state of restful rejuvenation and relaxation when you go to bed at night?
Most of my crimes are of optimism
The vast majority of my actions are rooted in hopefulness, positivity, and a belief in the power of change and progress.
40 thousand volts of recognition
A sudden, powerful spark of realization or self-awareness that can ignite transformation and growth.
They tried to strip me of dignity
Others have attempted to diminish or diminish my sense of self-worth and personal dignity for their own ends.
But I still have tenacity
Despite these challenges and obstacles, I possess a resilient and persistent spirit that keeps me motivated and driven.
These are the words I didn't invent
These are the phrases and utterances that I did not originate, but that effectively express the thoughts and emotions that I am trying to convey.
Only an attempt to say what I meant
These words represent my best effort to articulate my true intentions and meaning, and convey them effectively to others.
This is the paper
This is the thin, flat material that serves as a support for writing or drawing.
This is the pen
This is the instrument used to make marks on paper, often filled with ink or lead.
This is my weapon
This metaphorical tool of expression is what I use to have an impact in the world, and to make my voice heard.
A means to an end
This object serves a specific purpose, as a critical part of a larger strategy or plan.
Are you going into the desert
Are you facing a literal or metaphorical wilderness or barren expanse, filled with danger and uncertainty?
You're out of control of your fate
You find yourself in a situation where you have lost control or agency over the decisions and events that dictate your future.
There are no warriors without a war
To be considered a true fighter or champion, one must face and overcome significant challenges and obstacles.
So get ahead before it's too late
Act proactively and make strong efforts to achieve your goals and objectives now, before it becomes too late or difficult to do so.
Lay down your spear
Let go of aggressive or violent tendencies, and choose a path of non-violence and peacemaking.
Let go your fear
Release yourself from the grip of anxiety, worry, or trepidation that may be holding you back from pursuing your dreams or goals.
Far becomes near
Distance and separation can begin to seem less significant or insurmountable, and opportunities for connection and growth become more apparent and achievable.
This is the tree
This is an object in nature, a living organism that grows and evolves over time.
The Buddha slept under
This refers to a specific tree, the Bodhi tree, under which the founder of Buddhism famously meditated and achieved enlightenment.
These are the clouds
These puffy, white shapes that often fill the sky are a natural phenomenon that can inspire a sense of awe and wonder.
This is our thunder
These sudden and explosive claps of noise in the sky are a powerful force of nature, that can be both exhilarating and scary.
This is what makes me look up and wonder
These natural phenomena give me cause to pause and reflect, prompting a sense of curiosity and amazement at the world around me.
Into the eye of the wind
Moving in the direction of an opposing force or obstacle, facing it head on and moving forward with determination.
Through the rain
Persisting through challenging weather or difficult conditions that may be metaphorical or literal.
On to the plain
Moving beyond the obstacles and limitations that may have once held me back, and entering into a new and expansive area of opportunity and potential.
This is what I'm focused on
These thoughts, ideas, and actions are my primary concern and area of attention, requiring my full concentration and effort.
This is my head on straight
This is a state of mental and emotional clarity, free from distractions or unnecessary baggage.
This is the harness
This is an object that provides support and structure, often used with animals and equipment to give them control or direction.
This is the bait
This is an object or idea that is used to attract or entice, often in the context of fishing or hunting.
This is me
This is who I am, my true self and identity in the world.
I'm flying again
I am experiencing a sensation of freedom, lightness, and release that is invigorating and empowering.
This is a lawyer
This is a trained legal professional who practices law and works to protect and advocate for the rights of clients and communities.
Professional liar
This is a critique of the common perception of lawyers as people who twist the truth and manipulate facts to fit their agenda.
There, Taking
This is a moment of action or seizing an opportunity, taking advantage of a chance to make a difference or create change.
Igniting the fire
This is a moment of inspiration or motivation, that encourages me to act with energy and passion towards a goal or objective.
This is the key
This is the emblematic symbol that unlocks a door or portal, allowing access to new areas or opportunities.
This is the door
This is the literal or figurative threshold that separates the known or familiar from the unknown or uncertain.
Imagine the view from the basement floor
This is a comment on the power of imagination and perspective, reminding us to consider alternative viewpoints and to expand our understanding of the world around us.
This is depression
This is a condition of mental health that is characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness.
It comes when you're blocking
This condition may arise as a result of feeling stuck or isolated, or when it is difficult to see or realize your goals or dreams.
This is expression
This is the act of communicating or conveying thoughts and feelings, often through artistic or creative means.
It comes when your rocking
This act of expression may arise when one is feeling energized, inspired, or moved by music or other forms of creative expression.
This is the world still healing
This is a reference to the ongoing process of recovering and rebuilding after traumatic events, disasters, or social upheavals.
This is man that's feeling
This is an acknowledgement of our shared humanity and the need for empathy and compassion in the face of adversity and challenges.
This is the world still turning
This is a reminder that time continues to move forward, and that we must adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances of our lives and societies.
This is the rage still burning
This is an allusion to the ongoing struggles and conflicts that persist in the world, often fueled by anger, injustice, and inequality.
This is the man not learning
This is a criticism of the failure of some individuals and groups to learn from past mistakes or to work towards positive change and transformation.
This is life
This is the culmination and summary of all the previous lines and ideas expressed in the song, a reflection of the complex and multifaceted nature of human life and experience.
Lyrics © Red Brick Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: IVOR GUEST, GRACE JONES, ANTONY NENN, LESLIE WINER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind